Browsing by Author "Ibrahim, M."

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Anaemia at antenatal care initiation and associated factors among pregnant women in west Gonja district, Ghana: A cross-sectional study
(Pan African Medical Journal (PAMJ), 2019-08-27) Ganle, J.K.; Tibambuya, B.A.; Ibrahim, M.
Introduction: anaemia in pregnancy remains a critical public health concern in many African settings; but its determinants are not clear. The purpose of this study was to assess anaemia at antenatal care initiation and associated factors among pregnant women in a local district of Ghana. Methods: a facility-based cross-sectional survey was conducted. A total of 378 pregnant women attending antenatal care at two health facilities were surveyed. Data on haemoglobin level, helminths and malaria infection status at first antenatal care registration were extracted from antenatal records booklets of each pregnant women. Questionnaires were then used to collect data on socio-demographic and dietary variables. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to assess factors associated with anaemia. Results: the prevalence of anaemia was 56%, with mild anaemia being the highest form (31.0%). Anaemia prevalence was highest (73.2%) among respondents aged 15-19 years. Factors that significantly independently reduced the odds of anaemia in pregnancy after controlling for potential confounders were early (within first trimester) antenatal care initiation (AOR=5.01; 95% CI =1.41-17.76; p=0.013) and consumption of egg three or more times in a week (AOR=0.30; 95% CI=0.15-0.81; P=0.014). Conclusion: health facility and community-based preconception and conception care interventions must not only aim to educate women and community members about the importance of early ANC initiation, balanced diet, protein and iron-rich foods sources that may reduce anaemia, but must also engage community leaders and men to address food taboos and cultural prohibitions that negatively affect pregnant woman.
Assessing the Knowledge and Practice of Palliative Care from Doctors Perspective: The Case Of The Ridge Hospital Accra
(University of Ghana, 2018-07) Ibrahim, M.
There have been concerns on how medical doctors‟ knowledge on Palliative Care impacts on Palliative Care practice, in the delivery of quality health care in Ghana. Despite the concern above, there is no empirical study to date that attempts to investigate this problem in Ghana. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices of medical doctors at the Ridge Hospital on Palliative Care. The study adopted the quantitative approach and used non-probability sampling technique to engage 165 respondents all of whom, were medical doctors from various departments at the hospital. Out of this number, 145 questionnaires were retrieved from the survey. The study used Chi-Square statistical tool to establish that, there is a significant relationship between, doctors‟ knowledge on Palliative Care and the practice of Palliative Care in the delivery of quality healthcare. The study found that there were several pathways through which doctors acquired on Palliative Care. For example, majority of the doctors at the hospital had knowledge in Palliative Care which they acquired from medical school. It was further revealed that, most doctors at the Ridge hospital handle terminally ill patients at least once in a week. This made the knowledge acquired on Palliative Care very essential in their line of duty. Additionally, almost all the doctors surveyed at the hospital do practice pain management which is a very critical component in Palliative Care practice. Also findings showed that doctors at the Ridge hospital were motivated by the knowledge they have on Palliative Care practice and readily assisted patients that required that attention. Based on findings, the study recommended that stakeholders in the healthcare sector should ensure all medical schools at least, incorporate Palliative Care in their curriculum, since it was established that, doctors are motivated by knowledge in Palliative Care in caring for chronically ill patients in their line of duty.
Auditing the AUDIT: A systematic review of cut-off scores for the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in low- and middle-income countries
(Elsevier, 2019-07-16) Weobong, B.; Nadkarni, A.; Garber, A.; Costa, S.; Wood, S.; Kumar, S.; MacKinnon, N.; Ibrahim, M.; Velleman, R.; Bhatia, U.; Fernandes, G.; Rane, A.
INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization's (WHO) Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is used extensively across the world, with cut-off scores recommended by the WHO. We reviewed the use and validity of AUDIT cut-off scores in low- and middle-income countries as cultural contexts are expected to influence the detection of alcohol use disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The systematic review was guided by an a priori defined protocol consistent with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. We searched Cochrane library, Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Indmed, LILACS, and AJOL databases using appropriate search terms. We conducted a narrative synthesis of the data. RESULTS: We identified 54 distinct studies that used AUDIT cut-off scores which were not in alignment with those recommended by the WHO. India (n = 10), Nigeria (n = 9), and Brazil (n = 9) produced most of these included studies. Most of the studies (n = 42) did not conduct psychometric evaluations of AUDIT cut-off scores. Of the twelve studies which did report psychometric results, a wide range of cut-off scores performed well. In these studies the cut-off scores to detect hazardous drinking ranged from >3 to >5, for harmful drinking from >5 to >16, and for dependent drinking from >7 to >24. DISCUSSION: AUDIT is being widely used in LMICs and non-recommended cut-off scores are considered to be appropriate in these countries. It is important to systematically evaluate the psychometric properties of those cut-off scores to ensure the internal validity of the studies in which they are used
Conceptual Reflections on Approaches to Religious Diversity and Modes of Coexistence in Urban West Africa*
(Merian Institute for Advances Studies in Africa (MIASA), 2023) Ibrahim, M.; Sieveking, N.
This article introduces the research of MIASA’s IFG 7 project titled “Religious Diversity in Urban West Africa: Exploring Modes of Coexistence for Sustainable Governance”. It conceptualises the methodological approach of the group by identifying three main thematic axes that emerged from the overlapping individual approaches to the study of religious diversity in urban centres, namely 1) migration, mobilities, entrepreneurship, and trans-nationalism; (2) territoriality, power, and configurations of religious minorities and majorities; and (3) urban infrastructure(s).
A Dialogic communications interrogation of the online brand dispositions of banks operating in Ghana
(2012) Hinson, R.E.; Madichie, N.O.; Ibrahim, M.
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the dialogic communications potential of bank web sites in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – The authors undertook a qualitative content analysis of bank web sites in Ghana, drawing upon Kent and Taylor's dialogic communications framework. Findings – Banks in Ghana have been fairly successful in creating web sites with high dialogic value, with over half the banks sampled scoring on more than half of all the dialogic principles (dialogic loop, ease of use, usefulness and conservation of visitors). Most banks, however, scored rather poorly on the principle of return visit. Practical implications – The revelation that the communication content of banks’ web sites in Ghana does not encourage visitors to return poses a serious challenge for banks in their bid to leverage favourable brand dispositions associated with strong customer relationships. Originality/value – The paper contributes to the scarce literature on dialogic communications potential of bank web sites in an emerging market context.
Exploring Consumers’ Intention to Adopt Mobile Payment Systems in Ghana
(International Journal of E-Services and Mobile Applications, 2022) Ibrahim, M.; Appiah-Menka, A.; Hinson, R.E.; Stephen, A.
In this paper, the authors examined consumers’ intention to adopt and use mobile payment methods in Ghana. Data for the study was obtained from a sample of 260 respondents through online and direct survey using structured questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to analyse the data through SPSS v.22 and SmartPLS v.3. Findings with regards to the determinants of mobile payment system adoption indicate that perceived security, attitude, and perceived usefulness play active roles in consumer decisions to adopt mobile payment methods in Ghana. Also, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use have a significant and positive influence on consumer’s attitude towards mobile payment adoption. Further, subjective norm was found to influence perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of mobile payment adoption in Ghana. The study contributes to the literature on mobile payment systems from a developing country context. The study proffered some recommendations.
Exploring the Implementation Challenges of Community Information Centre (CIC) Programme in the GA East Municipality of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2018-04) Ibrahim, M.
The advancement in information and communication technologies (ICTs) over the last three decades or so has created opportunities in all sectors of human society to solve the human development problem. One of the practical ways of exploring ICTs to accelerate development in remote and underserved communities is through the introduction of the concepts of Community Information Centres (CICs). CICs have contributed to accelerated development in the developed world, however investment into CICs in Africa specifically Ghana has not yielded the expected outcome. The study therefore explored and described the challenges confronting the implementation of Community Information Centre (CIC) programme in Ga East Municipality in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Four objectives served as a guide in this study namely: 1. To examine the nature of CIC programme and their functions in Ga East Municipality 2. To explain the source that inform the construction of the ICTs at the CIC in Ga East Municipality 3. To study the process used in the delivery and implementation of the CIC programme in Ga East Municipality 4. To examine the key challenges affecting the successful implementation of CIC programmes in Ga East Municipality. The study adopted a qualitative approach relying on the interpretative phenomenological design specifically, realistic phenomenological approach to capture the views and lived experiences of participants in the study. A total of ten participants were engaged in this study; the participants were put into two separate focused group discussions in which they discussed about their understanding of their lived experiences on the topic of the study. The study used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The IPA approach was used to make sense of the phenomenon under investigation, and explored the meanings participants‟ idiographic experiences held for them. The interpretative phenomenological analytical approach made it possible for the thematic analysis of the data. Four major findings emerged from the theme in line with the objectives set for the study namely: Firstly, the study revealed that users and centre coordinators of the CIC in Ga East Municipality were likely to approach the use of the facilities differently because both held varied perceptions about the nature of programme offered at the centre. Secondly, the fact that the centre over-relied on foreign technology without modifications to suit the ICT needs of the beneficiaries may have affected an all-inclusive participation of the beneficiaries of the CIC programme in Ga East Municipality. Thirdly the centre programme also lacked local content which affected the participation of majority of the local stakeholders in Ga East. Finally, many beneficiaries of the centre lacked access to the programme of the centre. The study therefore concluded based on these findings that the centre may have not been functioning properly as a result of the following challenges: lack of accessibility of the programme to the beneficiaries of the centre, inappropriate technology and programme of the centre and the lack of participation of local stakeholders in the implementation of the programme of the centre. Based on these findings the following recommendations were made including: conducting an assessment of ICT needs of the communities in Ga East, adapting the technologies procured for the centre and design suitable programmes to help address ICT needs of beneficiaries. The study also recommended to the management of the Ga East CIC to extend its collaboration efforts to private companies and civil society organizations providing these services and partner with them in the area of capacity building, logistics and operation.
Female Labor Force Participation, Infrastructure, and Sectoral Value Additions in Sub-Saharan Africa
(Springer International Publishing, 2022) Kumi, E.; Yeboah, T.; Ibrahim, M.
Abstract The contribution of women to nation-building has been well-documented. However, existing studies have focused on the drivers of female labor force participation without examining how their participation in the labor market impacts various sectors of the economy. In addition to examining the unique effects of female labor force participation on sectoral value additions in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), this chapter investigates the role of domestic infrastructure in mediating the relationship between female labor force participation and sectoral growth. Utilizing annual panel data spanning from 1990 to 2017 for 33 countries in SSA, we find that, while female labor force participation positively affects sectoral value additions, its effect is only significant for the service sector, which is further magnified by well-developed infrastructure.
Haptoglobin phenotypes in cervical cancer: decreased risk for Hp2 individuals
(Clinical Journal, 2009) Quaye, I.K.E.; Agbolosu, K.; Ibrahim, M.; Bannerman-Willison, P.
The Malaria Genomic Epidemiology Network. A global network for investigating the genomic epidemiology of malaria
(Nature 456(7223): 732-7, 2008) Achidi, E.A.; Agbenyega, T.; Allen, S.; Amodu, O.; Bojang, K.; Conway, D.; Corran, P.; Deloukas, P.; Djimde, A.; Dolo, A.; Doumbo, O.; Drakeley, C.; Duffy, P.; Dunstan, S.; Evans, J.; Farrar, J.; Fernando, D.; Tran, T.H.; Horstmann, R.; Ibrahim, M.; Karunaweera, N.; Kokwaro, G.; Koram, K.; Kwiatkowski, D.; Lemnge, M.; Makani, J.; Marsh, K.; Michon, P.; Modiano, D.; Molyneux, M.E.; Mueller, I.; Mutabingwa, T.; Parker, M.; Peshu, N.; Plowe, C.; Puijalon, O.; Ragoussis, J.; Reeder, J.; Reyburn, H.; Riley, E.; Rogers, J.; Wilson, M.; Ghansah, A.
Large-scale studies of genomic variation could assist efforts to eliminate malaria. But there are scientific, ethical and practical challenges to carrying out such studies in developing countries, where the burden of disease is greatest. The Malaria Genomic Epidemiology Network (MalariaGEN) is now working to overcome these obstacles, using a consortial approach that brings together researchers from 21 countries.
A Reconceptualization of Entrepreneurial Orientation in an Emerging Market Insurance Company
(Journal of African Business, 2013-09) Madichie, N.O.; Hinson, R.E.; Ibrahim, M.
The authors examine how entrepreneurial firms gain competitive advantage and hence entrepreneurial success by optimizing their dynamic capabilities. Using a single case design, incorporating in-depth interviews with key informants within an insurance company in Ghana, the authors attempt to highlight the limitations of an existing model. Their key proposition is that the growth and profitability exhibited in the case study are largely attributable to its ability to leverage its entrepreneurial orientation. They argue, therefore, that despite the ability of the resource-based view to translate into competitive advantage at the firm level, it falls short of longer-term competitive advantages and entrepreneurial success-especially in the financial services sector with homogeneous product offerings. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
Religious Diversity in Sharia-Compliant Cities in Northern Nigeria
(Merian Institute for Advances Studies in Africa (MIASA), 2023) Ibrahim, M.
This paper examines religious diversity through everyday life experiences of various religious or not-so religious groups and how they negotiate cultural and theological differences in the context of the sharia implementation in urban northern Nigeria. More specifically, it analyses how the sharia (implementation of Islamic law) reconfigures inter-faith relations, especially between Muslim and Christian minorities. Initially in tended to reinforce strict conservative practices in urban centres, the reform has equally facilitated religious pluralism and hybrid practices such as the invention of Jesus Mawlid, which is observed by both Muslims and Christians as well as the blending of religion with previously considered irreligious urban cultures.
Risky sexual behaviour and contraceptive use in contexts of displacement: Insights from a cross-sectional survey of female adolescent refugees in Ghana
(International Journal for Equity in Health, 2019-08-16) Ganle, J.K.; Amoako, D.; Baatiema, L.; Ibrahim, M.
Background: Difficulty in accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare is one of the challenges young refugee women face worldwide, in addition to sexual exploitation, violence and abuse. Although Ghana hosts several refugees, little is known about their sexual behaviour and contraceptive use. This study assesses sexual behaviour and contraceptive use among female adolescent refugees in Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June and August 2016. Respondents comprised 242 female adolescent refugees aged 14–19 years. Structured validated questionnaires were used to collect data. Descriptive statistical methods and multivariate logistic regression statistical analyses methods were used to analyze data. Findings: Over 78% of respondents have had penetrative sex; 43% have had coerced sex; 71% have had transactional sex; 36% have had sex while drunk, 57% have had 4–6 sexual partners in the last 12 months before the study, and 38% have had both coerced and transactional sex. Factors that predicted ever having transactional sex included being aged 14–16 compared to those aged 17–19 (AOR = 4·80; 95% CI = 2·55–9·04); being from Liberia compared to being from Ghana (AOR = 3·05; 95% CI = 1.69–13·49); having a mother who had no formal education compared to having a mother with tertiary education (AOR = 5.75; 95CI = 1.94– 14.99); and living alone (self) compared to living with parents (AOR = 3.77; 95CI = 1.38–10.33). However, having 1–3 sexual partners in the last 12months as against having 4–6 partners significantly reduced the odds of ever having transactional sex (AOR = 0·02; 95% CI = 0·01–0·08). Awareness about contraceptives was 65%, while ever use of contraceptives was 12%. However, contraceptive use at last sexual intercourse was 8.2%, and current use was 7.3%. Contraceptive use was relatively higher among those who have never had sex while drunk, as well as among those who have never had transactional sex and coerced sex. Contraceptive use was similarly higher among those who had 1–3 sexual partners in the last 12 months compared to those who had 4–6 during the same time period. Conclusion: In this time of global migration crises, addressing disparities in knowledge and access to contraception as well as high risk sexual behaviours in refugee situations is important for reducing inequalities in reproductive health outcomes and ensuring both universal health coverage and global health justice. Sex and contraception education and counselling, self-efficacy training, and skills acquisition are needed to help young refugee women negotiate and practice safe sex and resist sexual pressures.
Sustainability reporting among Ghanaian universities
(Communicatio, 2015-04) Hinson, R.; Gyabea, A.; Ibrahim, M.
This is an exploratory study that brings to the fore the extent to which universities in Ghana report on their sustainability performance. It explores the issue of whether Ghanaian universities report on their sustainability performance, as well as the dimensions of sustainability they report on. A framework based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines and campus sustainability assessment tools was used as the basis for investigating sustainability reporting among the six biggest universities in Ghana. Despite the fact that none of the six universities had stand-alone sustainability reports, they all reported on their university sustainability performance through websites and annual reports, despite not explicitly claiming to be addressing sustainability. It was also noted that there is variable coverage of sustainability issues among the universities investigated. It appears that sustainability reporting in Ghanaian universities, while still in its infancy, is emerging. Universities in developing economy contexts might be encouraged to explicitly address and report sustainability issues through ‘soft’ regulations which address the imperative and content of sustainability reporting.
Value-For-Money Audit for Accountability and Performance Management in Local Government in Ghana
(2016) Bawole, J. N.,; Ibrahim, M.
Public sector organizations, including local government (LG) entities, continue to resort to value for money (VFM) audit to enhance performance and accountability. Based on the analysis of the consolidated reports on the annual performance-based Functional Organizational Assessment Tool (FOAT)—VFM audit—in Ghana to determine the efficacy of VFM on performance, this article argues that VFM audits constitute a significant public management tool that could enhance LG performance. However, the FOAT reports, like most VFM audits, only provide quantitative evidence, which fails to capture the qualitative or other relevant explanatory factors behind the recorded performance improvement.